Unlocking AI Potential: A Guide to Prompting ChatGPT

The best way to get good information is to go directly to the source. So when I started using ChatGPT and other AI tools and I wasn’t sure how to get started, I just asked the AI machine how to best ask for information. Of course, it churned out about 10 different tips on how to get the best prompt and that’s where I started. Below I’m giving you my tips that have helped me prompt AI into getting the info I want with the least amount of back and forth. 

Be Incredibly Specific

If the prompt is a writing prompt, think about giving the style and tone the copy should depict. Give specifics on how the response should be formatted, for example, a bulleted list or social media ad with headlines. How many options do you want to have it create so you can choose the best option without asking for more revisions each time? 

Once you have a response, you can always ask for more information. Some sample follow-ups: “Provide examples of your findings.” “Cite the sources used.” “Provide more options.” 

Add Context

Providing background information can be helpful in accomplishing the tone as well. Give examples of things you’ve liked that are relevant to the prompt. You should also give details like the industry you’re writing for or who the reader might be. Bring the receipts, show charts, writing samples, or webpages to give it anything that could possibly help get the response you’re looking for on the first try.

Define the Format

Knowing the best way to format information is another way to ensure you have a clear response. There is a big difference between asking for a 500-word blog post for research and needing to create 5 social media posts from the same information. If you’re just getting started on a project, maybe ask for a bulleted list with resource citations and ask for a summary of each. 

By breaking down the information in your prompt, you can engage the engine to help with larger projects. For example: “Provide the top 3 blog posting platforms with pros and cons for each. Give a bulleted list for blog topics with a summary for each for a blog about fanfiction and its impact on the publishing industry.” 

Check Your Work

Plug in your non-AI-created writing to get a read on factual information in your work. You can also do this with articles written by others. In a world where misinformation is all too common, plugging in your words and others is a great way to ask for sources to see who is saying what information and what could be misleading or fully false in a blog or article.

*While ChatGPT can help with fact-checking, it’s important to note they don’t have direct access to live sources for verification. So, be sure to double-check your trusted databases or research sources for factual accuracy.

I’ll close out with a direct response from ChatGPT with some helpful reminders for using their platform and other AI options. Let us know how you use AI and which platforms are your favorites. 

Helpful Reminders:

• Ethical Use: Avoid using ChatGPT for misinformation or inappropriate content.
• Fact-Checking: Verify important information from credible sources, especially for critical decisions.
• Privacy: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information.
• Experiment and Explore: ChatGPT can assist with coding, brainstorming, content creation, and much more — don’t be afraid to try different prompts.